Intramedullary cysticercosis : MRI diagnosis.

Abstract

Three cases of dorsal intramedullary cysticercosis presenting as spastic paraparesis or paraplegia are reported. A definite preoperative diagnosis, using MRI, was made in two cases while in the third it was strongly suspected. One paraplegic patient regained full function whereas in the other two the deficit persisted even after successful cyst excision. The pathogenesis and recovery are discussed in the light of the MRI findings.